Economics versus ideals

I am disheartened by the attitude expressed here regarding Apple and Microsoft. What you are doing is using an ideal (“free and open source software”) to motivate reduced economic activity in the US, leading to job loss, higher poverty, and more suffering in the US. Is that really necessary? I cannot dissuade you from pursuing your ideal; you have your own reasons for it. However, why not pursue your ideal in parallel with the economic success of Apple and Microsoft? The international success of Apple and Microsoft brings money and jobs into the US, to all our benefit here in the US. It is a uniquely American “vice” to root against your own economy. Most citizens don’t do that. I suggest you continue to pursue your ideal in parallel with supporting the economic model of Apple and Microsoft. Otherwise, you are taking on responsibility for increasing the suffering of Americans. Why would you do that?